I use hand sanitizer frequently, but do not love the dry hands or synthetic fragrances they usually are accompanied by. This is a simple DIY recipe for a moisturizing but very effective hand sanitizer recipe using essential oils.
• 1/4 c. aloe vera gel (I used Lily of the Valley)
• 3/4 c. ethyl alcohol, ethyl rubbing alcohol, or Everclear
• 2 tbs. vegetable glycerin
• 30 drops essential oils*
*Keep in mind that citrus oils like lemon or orange can make the sun more sensitive to the sun, and cinnamon oil can be irritating to the skin, so use them sparingly in this recipe if at all. I made a few batches of this with different scents that turned out very nicely- any combination of oils will work, depending on your preferences. My favorite was a spice blend using clove, patchouli, cinnamon and orange (10 drops clove, 10 drops patchouli, three drops cinnamon, and 7 drops orange).
Combine all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Pour into a squeeze or pump bottle (a funnel is helpful for this). This recipe is much more liquidy than the standard antibacterial “gel”, though I used it in an old hand sanitizer pump bottle and it worked fine, even with being so liquid. I think it would also work well in a spray bottle, though I didn’t have one handy to try it.
Washing hands with soap and water is still the best method for getting ands clean, but this is a good substitute for times when hand washing is not convenient or possible, and your hands will be moisturized and wonderful smelling afterwards.